A Weekend With My USMC Senior Drill Instructor

[DavidI]

At the age of 18, after graduating high school in 1987, I had the honor of joining the Marine Corps. Uncertain of what lay ahead, I knew only that the training would be a formidable challenge.

I was introduced to three formidable leaders: Senior Drill Instructor Sergeant Doug Luebke, Sergeant James Rinehart, and Sergeant Stewart Payne. These men exemplified the essence of what it means to be a Marine. They instilled in us discipline, leadership, physical fitness, honesty, character, teamwork, knowledge, command presence, and an indomitable spirit.

At that crucial juncture in my life, their guidance was exactly what I needed. I observed and learned from them every moment of every day during boot camp. The training was rigorous, even for someone in good shape, and our platoon earned the moniker "Maximum Thrash Platoon" from these formidable instructors. Any Marine understands the significance of being "bent"—pushed to the limits of physical endurance.

As the weeks passed, my confidence and comprehension of what it means to be a Marine deepened. On graduation day, I felt a profound transformation, standing taller and prouder than when I first stepped onto the yellow footprints.

These remarkable men left an indelible mark on my life, altering its course forever. Approximately seven years ago, I resolved to locate and thank them for shaping me into the person I am today. I succeeded in finding two of them in San Diego and my Senior Drill Instructor in Minnesota. Speaking with them was a surreal experience, as their voices resonated like echoes from the past. I had the privilege of sharing a meal with James and Stewart, both of whom had enjoyed illustrious careers in the Marine Corps and beyond. Although distance prevented me from meeting Doug initially, our conversations remained impactful.

Recently, after retiring from my law enforcement career, I found myself with ample time and contacted Doug. Last Thursday, I flew to Minnesota to spend a few days with him. The prospect of meeting this larger-than-life figure once again filled me with anticipation.

Doug's primary MOS was a Scout/Sniper with State Platoon, and he rose to the rank of First Sergeant (E-8), leading his teams on multiple deployments. His service may have extended into contracting roles with the DoD, though he does not speak of these missions.

Doug greeted me at the airport with a warm smile, driving his F350. He remains a warrior who readily offers praise and uplifts those around him, enriching the lives of everyone he encounters.

During my stay, we spent time in his garage, sharing stories over tequila. Everything about Doug continues to impress me, and he maintains the discipline and presence I remember from 37 years ago. I expressed my heartfelt gratitude for his positive influence on my life.

I am profoundly grateful to men like these and salute them for transforming boys into men. Their legacy of leadership and mentorship is a testament to the enduring spirit of the Marine Corps.

We planed to go fishing on Sunday (Father's Day) on a lake near his home. On Sunday evening, he asked me if I knew how to fish. I replied that I am a city boy and had very little experience fishing. He immediately set up two fishing poles, with lead weights and no hooks, so I could practice casting. For the next 2 hours, we stood in the street of his cul-de-sac and he taught me to properly cast a line. Rain poured on us, but it did not slow us down or stop us from practicing. One of his favorite saying is "If it's not raining, we're not training!" As my rudimentary casting skills grew, a smile exploded on his face. He is a natural-born leader and mentor. We fished on Sunday and he caught a fish, but no luck for me. As we packed the equipment up, he tossed me a small rubber fish. I caught it and he said, "Now you can tell everyone you caught a fish." Doug is a badass and I am grateful to him beyond words.

In the attached photo, Doug is a little grayer than before but stands as a badass warrior and exemplifies the spirit of the Corps.

Semper Fi, David

[GH85Carrera]

Great story as always.

One of the guys in the local El Camino club was someone I knew had to be a Marine when I first met him. He had the air of authority, and I asked him if he was a Marine and of course he proudly said he was. He was a natural leader and great man. He moved to Alaska and I miss him.

[speeder]

Terrific photo, David! I agree that the USMC is a great organization and almost everyone I know who was a Marine is a great person. I have a "big brother," (actually my best friend's big brother growing up), who turned 18 in boot camp in 1969 at Camp Pendleton. He shipped off to Viet Nam, as expected. I just spoke to him yesterday on the phone and sent him pictures of the engine I'm working on!

It seems like you are using your new spare time to really tee-up a great summer! Semper Fi, indeed. ++

[Seahawk]

I was not ROTC nor did I go to any of the Academies...Officer and Simpleton School for me...when the program still had Marine Drill Instructors.

I am in no way comparing, David, your experiences and mine: while the DI's were on point, the physical nature of AOCS is completely different...after 4 to 6 weeks, the emphasis was less on PT more on minute details, academics and teamwork. I went in over prepared for the PT and was surprised at how many were not.

What struck me, and still does, was just how funny the DI's were in certain moments, remarkable pace and timing.

I may have written this before, but it remains a moment I will never forget - the Gunny made me laugh, a high crime:

We were on the parade field in Pensacola formation marching, which is actually pretty interesting from a learned behavior standpoint.

One of my classmates, a great guy, had effeminate mannerisms but was married to, I kid you not, one of the best looking women I had ever seen, and I had seen a lot. He was a lawyer, a bit older and he got his wings and became a P-3 pilot.

Let's call him Senor.

The way it used to work marching in formation was three abreast, tall up front and descending in height. Senor is mid pack, 30 plus dudes. I am in the first row.

Remember, this is late '82.

The DI is barking marching orders and we are doing well. Then:

"Hippity Hop Mob stop!"

We do and he gets between me and the guy to my right and goes: "Who is that marching like a girl back there?"

"Oh, it's you Senor, carry on!"

I made a slight, unconscious guffaw and my day got a lot worse. It was worth it.

Best to you, David, thanks for the memories.

[shadowjack1]

Thanks. Your post brings back memories from 1970. I found one of my Drill Instructors a few years ago. We talk form time, but he lives in Fort Collins CO. He owned the Dodge Dealership there and since sold it.

[monoflo]

Once-always

[Tim Hancock]

I had little respect for most of my Army drill instructors during basic and AIT at Ft Leonard Wood in 1984. One was OK... The rest were dirtbags who I would not care to associate with in civilian life.


That said.... they sure had some funny lines they used on us.

Our black senior drill sgt use to threaten to "lay some African soup bone" on our azzes if we didn't quit effing up. He also often would make us wax the barrack floors with auto paste wax. He said they better be "shinier than a diamond in a goats azz" when we finished. He also would do the whole "Do you like me boy? Well liking leads to loving and loving leads to xxxxxxx and you sure ain't gonna XXXX me! Now drop and give me 20!!!" (It didn't matter what answer you gave him as you were doing pushups for him no matter what)

Another would constantly tell us about how when he leaves for the night he is gonna go home to his cool AC, drink some cold beers then enjoy some oral with his girl. He would also always talk about how all our girlfriends at home were getting it on with Jody and were through with us sorry SOB's.

[craigster59]

Originally Posted by Tim Hancock

I had little respect for most of my Army drill instructors during basic and AIT at Ft Leonard Wood in 1984. One was OK... The rest were dirtbags who I would not care to associate with in civilian life.


That said.... they sure had some funny lines they used on us.

Our black senior drill sgt use to threaten to "lay some African soup bone" on our azzes if we didn't quit effing up. He also often would make us wax the barrack floors with auto paste wax. He said they better be "shinier than a diamond in a goats azz" when we finished. He also would do the whole "Do you like me boy? Well liking leads to loving and loving leads to xxxxxxx and you sure ain't gonna XXXX me! Now drop and give me 20!!!" (It didn't matter what answer you gave him as you were doing pushups for him no matter what)

Another would constantly tell us about how when he leaves for the night he is gonna go home to his cool AC, drink some cold beers then enjoy some oral with his girl. He would also always talk about how all our girlfriends at home were getting it on with Jody and were through with us sorry SOB's.

I went to Leonard Wood for Basic/AIT (12B) in 1978. I had Marschak, Vermeer and Robinson as my Drill Sgt's. They were some tough MoFo's and used the same lines on us. Marching cadence "Ain't no use in going home, Jody got your girl and gone".

[DavidI]

Thank you brothers! You are awesome Pelicans and I appreciate you, David

[rcooled]

Originally Posted by Tim Hancock

He would also always talk about how all our girlfriends at home were getting it on with Jody...

Originally Posted by craigster59

...Jody got your girl and gone".

That Jody sure got around...I took basic in NJ at Ft. Dix and he was back there too...

"Ain't no use in feelin' blue...Jody's got your sister too"

[speeder]

Old Jody gets a lot of ass.

[gsxrken]

David, thank you for posting. I have no doubt the DIs were delighted to hear from one of their brothers after all that time. I’ve learned that no man is too old to hear that he did a great job, that his efforts were appreciated, or that you think highly of them. We don’t talk like this with other men, and once your own father passes you may never hear such praise again. You did well.

[rfuerst911sc]

David that's a great story and you tell it well . Thanks for sharing .

[Norm K]

Early this century I made a light-hearted (or perhaps half-assed) attempt to find my Drill Instructors, to no avail. I never ran across any of them after graduating from boot camp and never really considered trying find them, although I served with two Marines who'd known one of them in Vietnam. Your post has me thinking I should try again ... and harder ... this time

I went through boot camp in 1974, and all three Drill Instructors were 9-12 years older than I, so here's hoping they're all still with us.

Again, thanks for reminding me that this kind of stuff is important.

Semper fi, brother.

_

[GH85Carrera]

To all that served, THANK YOU for your service.